Visual Field Testing

A visual field test is a measurement of your peripheral, or side vision. Under the supervision of an optometrist, the test involves viewing lights inside a special instrument and pressing a button when various flashes of light are displayed. Each eye is tested independently and the test takes about 10-30 minutes for both eyes.

A visual field test is performed for several reasons. At times, it is performed as a screening or baseline test for peripheral vision. Other times, it is useful in diagnosing eye diseases such as glaucoma and neurological conditions, such as strokes and brain tumors. In fact, this is just another example of how eye examinations can assist health care providers in diagnosing other health concerns that do not directly involve one’s vision.